Hello folks, I have been dreaming of an Alembic for quite a few years. Actually I first wanted a Resurrection Cripe replica but after seeing the guitars produced by Alembic I want a Further. Jer's tone during the time using this guitar were my favorite of all time. That said I now will have to save for a few years as teachers don't make a lot of $$ here in Ky.... I want mine in Burl Maple with ebony necks lams, brass binding around the neck and pick ups. Also, as far as inlays I think the vintage "Good Ol' Grateful Dead" logo would be pretty sweet. Inlay held in place with rare earth magnets if they can swing it! That said, fellas and ladies love to lurk on here, hopefully I get a raise so I can buy a better guitar!!!

Mark- How long have you lived in the UK? I assume seeing the boys was slightly hard as they didn't cross the Atlantic all that much. I only was able to see them 4 times between 1993-1995. I really loved your COTM...

I was in New England from 68-74, which is where I discovered the Dead, but only managed two shows. But I did see the last 12 English shows. I too loved Jer's sound most of all with the Wolf when the only effect he used was a wah pedal (73-75).

Welcome to the club. I, too, am a Further owner. ("Woody". October '07 COTM). Wolf was always my favorite Jerry guitar, aesthetically. I never really liked the "bat wings" on the Irwin and Cripe guitars. (Wolf was an Alembic, NOT an Irwin). You might want to consider a used one - they pop up once or twice a year on ebay and sell for considerably less than a new one. On the other hand, creating your own recipe is a blast. Mine was my 50th b-day present to myself, so I had had a long time to rationalize the expense to myself. Also, you might consider picking up a less expensive Alembic to keep you going until it's time for your custom. I played an Electrum for two years prior to receiving my Further. Even lower line Alembics are in a class by themselves compared to just about anything else out there. Good luck with the quest and keep on playin'!

Right now I have nice guitars that I play: A 1978 Yamaha acoustic dreadnaught, a Henderson 00 made out of 200 year old walnut, an older Alvarez dread; electric I own an 1978 Ibanez custom artist and a Fender Deluxe American Plus. I keep an eye out for used Alembics but they don't come around very often. I am still in grad school so until that is finished I am more than likely out of the buyers market unless I sell the Henderson. I salivate everyday at the thought of owning one of these beasts!

WOW! So how do you like it? Have you read "Clapton's Guitar"? As for used Alembic guitars, keep an eye on ebay. They are certainly far rarer than the basses, but you do see the occasional Electrum, Orion, and older Series guitars, along with a Further or Tribute here and there. Electrums and Orions seem to go in the $1700-2200 range, while a Series guitar will fetch around $2500-3500. Not cheap, but a lot more affordable than new. Now if you ever want to trade or sell that Henderson, let me know!

The Henderson is a great guitar, better than any acoustic in the world inho. At some point I'll get some new pictures of it. I have read "Clapton's Guitar", though it was anticlimatic as I watched Wayne build mine. About 6 months ago my house was broken into and my computer, digital camera, and stereo were all stolen. They missed two guns I had in the house as well as the two guitars under my bed. The Henderson is kept in my gun safe in my mom's house about an hour from where I live. As far as selling it, I doubt that I ever will. I have been offered $10,000 cash and that is not close to what it is worth. I have it insured for $20,000. I very well may come to NorCal this spring or summer to visit some of the Grateful Dead sites I have always wanted to see, maybe I will bring it and you can play it. Colin

If you've never been to the Bay Area, and you're a deadhead, you definitely owe yourself a visit. And, of course, there's the cherry on top - Alembic is just one hour north of 710 Ashbury. Give me a head's up and I can put together a jam at my studio. Enjoy that Henderson. I'd love the opportunity to play it. About a year and a half ago I found a 1953 D-28 seriously showing its age. It's been living at the luthiers most of that time getting a makeover, but it's almost ready! Are you really in Widespread Panic?

Bill- No I am not in Widespread Panic, just a big fan (120+ shows and counting). I have been to the Bay Area once, but it was just for one day to see Phil and Friend's play the Frost @ Standford. I can't wait to spend a week there or so this spring or summer. Keith- Right on, i live about 300 yards towards town from where your parents lived.

Congrats, Bill! I once shared a domicile with a '53 D-28 (alas, not mine - it's picker lived there, too) - I generally prefer 000, OM & M Martins to Ds, but I would definitely love to have that one - gawd, what a tone! (IIRC, my friend was in CA when he decided it was showing its age too much to be a feasible working axe & parted company with it - maybe it's the same one). We expect a full report when it comes home.

I bought it from a guy who lived in Pacific Grove on the Monterrey Peninsula. It had several cracks, some repaired well, some not so well. Missing pick guard, significant neck dive, wrong bridge and a plywood bridge plate. It also has some wonderfully tight and straight grained Brazilian Rosewood. Even in the beat up state, it still sounded incredible. For the same money it will eventually cost, I could have found one in better shape, but I felt like I was doing a good deed and making a nice deposit in my bank account of karma by bringing this one back. After 1+ year's work, it should be even more incredible and a lot more stable.

By the way, does anyone know if Resurrection is still in business? Their website doesn't exist anymore.

For those of you all that are into high end acoustics the best website that I know of is www.dreamguitars.com Not only have they sold a few Henderson's, but they also sell a lot of super high end acoustics as well as a few nice boutiqe electrics as well. Ahh Brazilian. If I had had about another $1000 I could have gotten it on my guitar, making it worth easily $20,000. Colin

True about the music but they do know a fair amount about distillation. Just about everyone seems to do it around there. I was talking to one of my folks neighbors last spring and they were in the process of resurrecting the old family distillery. They seemed to be trying to cash in on the resurgence of Bourbon.